Sweet Cherry Mash Bars Recipe: Irresistible Homemade Treats

Sweet treats often surprise us, and these cherry mash bars deliver unexpected delight with their extraordinary flavor combination.

Chocolate lovers recognize this classic candy-inspired dessert that blends creamy textures and rich taste sensations.

Smooth peanut butter forms the base of these decadent bars, creating a rich foundation for the cherry layer.

Homemade cherry mash bars offer a nostalgic twist on a beloved candy that melts in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet cherry and nutty undertones.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dessert that will leave everyone craving more.

Prepare to indulge in a treat that brings pure joy to your taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 268 kcal

Servings: 12

Cherry Mash Bars Ingredient List

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, rollable texture for the cherry mixture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together with a creamy consistency.
• Almond Extract: Adds a subtle, nutty depth that complements the cherry flavor beautifully.

• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Infuses the mixture with bright, sweet cherry essence and helps with moisture.
• Maraschino Cherries: Introduces bursts of vibrant cherry pieces and additional sweetness to the recipe.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of frozen cherry balls and prevents sticking during the freezing process.

Cherry Mash Bars Tools You’ll Want

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Perfect for beating sugar and butter to a creamy consistency.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: Provides a clean, non-stick surface for freezing cherry balls.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure powdered sugar, butter, and cherry juice.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for folding cherries into the mixture and scraping bowl sides.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping maraschino cherries into small pieces.

How to Put Together Cherry Mash Bars

• Create Cherry Core

Mix powdered sugar, butter, cherry juice, and almond extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in chopped cherries, ensuring the mixture holds together when rolled.

• Shape Delightful Bites

Roll the cherry mixture into small round balls. Place them carefully on a parchment-lined tray and pop into the freezer for a chilly nap (at least one hour) until completely solid.

• Craft Chocolate Shell

Melt chocolate chips with a touch of oil in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky and glossy. Remove frozen cherry balls from freezer.

• Dunk and Coat

Carefully dip each frozen cherry ball into melted chocolate, using a fork to lift and let excess chocolate drip away. Place coated treats back on parchment paper.

• Chill and Set

Return chocolate-covered cherry bites to the freezer for 10-15 minutes until chocolate hardens completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pro Tips for Cherry Mash Bars Success

• Chill for Success: Freezing the cherry balls helps them maintain shape and makes chocolate coating easier, ensuring a perfect texture every time.
• Texture Tweak: If the mixture feels too soft, gradually add more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency for rolling and shaping.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Cherry Creativity: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or coconut to add unique flavor dimensions to the classic cherry mash bars.
• Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for quick dessert options.

Serving Ideas for Cherry Mash Bars

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange these cherry mash bars on a colorful ceramic plate with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves for a stunning dessert presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Cherry Chiller Companion: Serve these sweet treats alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled glass of cherry liqueur to enhance the fruity, rich flavors and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these bars in a cute container for outdoor gatherings, matching them with light cream cheese and graham crackers for a delicious portable snack that everyone will adore.
• Brunch Brilliance: Include these cherry mash bars on a weekend brunch dessert board with other bite-sized sweets, creating a beautiful spread that celebrates the delicate cherry flavor and offers guests multiple tasty options.

Save and Plan with Cherry Mash Bars

• Chill and Set: Freeze the cherry balls for at least an hour to help them maintain shape and make coating easier.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep completed Cherry Mash Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cherry mixture and freeze the balls up to 2 weeks in advance, offering flexible preparation for busy schedules.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor texture.

Luscious Cherry Mash Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich cherry mash bars blend nostalgic Midwestern candy with creamy chocolate layers. Homemade treats showcase classic American dessert flavors in simple, irresistible bites you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (250 g/8.8 oz) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (340 g/12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) finely chopped roasted peanuts
• ½ cup (100 g/3.5 oz) finely chopped maraschino cherries
• ¼ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) maraschino cherry juice
• 1 tsp almond extract

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Instructions

1. Creamy Base Preparation: Whip powdered sugar, softened butter, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniformly blended, creating a luxurious foundational mixture.
2. Cherry Integration: Fold chopped maraschino cherries into the creamy base, adjusting consistency with powdered sugar if needed to maintain a compact, moldable texture that holds its shape effortlessly.
3. Forming and Chilling: Shape the cherry-studded mixture into uniform one-inch spheres, arranging them carefully on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze the tray for at least one hour, allowing the cherry orbs to solidify completely and develop a firm, structurally sound consistency.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Adjust powdered sugar gradually to prevent dry or crumbly texture, ensuring the mixture binds perfectly without becoming too stiff.
• Chill Technique: Freezing is crucial for maintaining structural integrity, allowing cherry balls to set firmly and develop concentrated flavor profile.
• Cherry Distribution: Chop cherries finely and evenly to guarantee consistent taste and prevent large chunks that might disrupt smooth texture.
• Extract Balance: Use almond extract sparingly; its intense flavor can overpower delicate cherry notes, so measure precisely for optimal taste harmony.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 233
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 33 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 6 mg